Guildhall event remembers Derry’s role in helping SS Laurentic survivors

The descendants of those who perished in one of the worst maritime tragedies in modern Irish history gathered at the Guildhall in Derry on Friday for a special commemorative event. The SS Laurentic was crossing the Atlantic while travelling from Liverpool to Canada on January 25, 1917, carrying prisoners and over 3,000 bars (43 tonnes) of gold, when it was struck by two mines from a German U-Boat in the mouth of Lough Swilly. The 565ft liner rapidly sank, with many of the crew members dying as a result of exposure in the sub-zero temperatures, with the tragedy claiming 354 lives. 121 people survived the disaster, and were rescued from the sea thanks in part to the relief efforts of the local community, spearheaded by the then Mayor of Derry Alderman Robert Newton Anderson. That saw a procession of motor cars travel to the Buncrana packed with supplies for the survivors, who showed their gratitude for the gesture with a rendition of ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’. The Mayor then hosted a special dinner at the Guildhall for the survivors at the Guildhall, where each of the survivors were presented with a ten shilling note and a packet of cigarettes. That dinner was recreated at the same hall on Friday in a special event hosted by the current Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Hilary McClintock, which saw descendants of those who were on the ship travel from as far away as Canada in attendance. The event is one of a number organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council to mark the 100th anniversary of the tragedy, and followed an event in Crana College on Friday morning where students have embarked on a major research project on the Laurentic. The Derry News spoke to a number of descendants of crew members who died in the Laurentic tragedy, including Margaret Newton, who attended the dinner with her husband Michael. Her grandfather, John Coyle, perished when the ship sank. Mrs Newton said that she was ‘privileged’ to have been able to come to events in both Derry and Donegal. “It’s just been beautiful, and we’re so privileged to have been able to come here,” she added. Also in attendance was Alan Clare, whose grandfather James Robert Brown, died in the tragedy. His body was never recovered. He told the Derry News that he was particularly impressed with the students he met with at Crana College. “I was really impressed with their work, and it’s that generation who are keeping the memory and legacy alive.” Speaking at Friday’s event, the Mayor Hillary McClintock said that it was not only an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives, but also remember those, including her predecessor, who helped the survivors. “This of course is not an ordinary lunch, it’s an opportunity to commemorate the work of my predecessor, Alderman Robert Newton Anderson, who provided the sailors who suffered much and lost many friends in the wake of the great tragedy, the sinking of the Laurentic on January 25, 1917,” she said. “I would like to especially welcome all those relatives of the sailors from as far away as Wicklow, Cork and even Canada who have joined us here, the hard work of Don Neil for making this possible. “100 years ago, 121 survivors of one the greatest maritime tragedies in modern history sat where you are sitting today. “They were part of the crew on the Laurentic who were crossing the Atlantic to deliver prisoners for safekeeping and gold for munitions to continue the war in Europe. “Having struck two mines in the mouth of Lough Swilly these men were forced to abandon their sinking ship in less than favourable conditions, with high winds, sleet, snow and a temperature of minus 13 degrees. “Having watched many of their crewmates and friends die from exposure on that bitterly cold night, these men were brought eventually to shore by the combined efforts of other nearby vessels and local fishermen. “The Mayor of Londonderry at that time, Alderman Robert Newton Anderson, and when he heard about the tragedy, he instantly set up a relief effort, requisitioning motor cars and requesting clothes from local shops, as well as sizable donation from his own grocery business.” Mayor McClintock added: “Within one day he organised a procession of cars on the Buncrana Road, filled with hot water bottles, coffee flasks and clothing for the survivors. “The Mayor visited the survivors in Buncrana where he praised their unconquerable spirit and was treated to a rousing rendition of ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’, She joked: “We’re not asking you to recreate that today.” Mayor McClintock then told those in attendance of the address delivered by Alderman Anderson 100 years ago. “The Mayor said: ‘I have been in many meetings in this pace since I became Mayor and I entertained many distinguished people, but I’ll tell you, the officers and men of the Laurentic, never have I considered it a greater pleasure, a greater privilege and honour than to have you as my guests today’. “He then handed the senior officers a bundle of ten shilling treasury notes, one for each of the survivors as well as a packet of cigarettes.” The Mayor added that in response to the gesture, one of the surviving Laurentic officers, Lieutenant Walker replied that while they had lost many fine shipmates, they would have ‘pleasant memories’ of the help they received from local people and the gifts they received. Friday’s event also heard from members of the British and Irish Navy, including Ronan McLaughlin, an Irish Naval officer, who said that as a Derry man, he was honoured to represent the navy at what he described as a ‘commemoration and celebration’. The Mayor also encouraged people to visit the ongoing Laurentic exhibition at the Tower Museum, which runs for the next six months.